Casey Unveils Legislation to Advance Autism Research

Bipartisan Bill Would Create Postal Stamp to Raise Funds for Research

Nearly 5,000 Children with Autism in Philadelphia Region- Nationally 1 in 88 Children Are Impacted by Autism

PHILADELPHIA, PA- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced bipartisan legislation to further autism research in observance of Autism Awareness Month. Senator Casey announced legislation to create a special semipostal stamp which will raise money for Autism research and family support programs. Last month, Senator Casey introduced a resolution recognizing April as National Autism Awareness Month.

Senator Casey was joined by Michael Strautmanis, Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor for Strategic Engagement to the Senior Advisor and families from around the region impacted by autism.

“Parents of children with disabilities face struggles on a daily basis that we can’t even begin to imagine,” said Senator Casey. “ With almost 5,000 children in the Philadelphia region impacted by autism, this bipartisan legislation is needed now more than ever to invest in the critical research we need to aid those with this disorder.”

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Semipostal Stamp Act of 2012, introduced by Senator Casey and cosponsored by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), authorizes the Postal Service to create a special semipostal stamp for the purpose of helping fund research into autism spectrum disorders and demonstration projects that will help people with these conditions attain greater independence. Legislation to invest in autism research is needed now more than ever. Recently the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a study showing that 1 in 88 children are impacted by autism. The most recent data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare show that nearly 5,000 children are impacted by autism in the Philadelphia region:

County

# of People Diagnosed with Autism

# of Children Diagnosed with Autism

% Diagnosed That Are Children

Bucks

750

683

91

Chester

718

661

92

Delaware

791

696

88

Montgomery

1109

1020

92

Philadelphia

2142

1842

86

Regional Average

5510

4902

89

Senator Casey has long championed the cause of autism research and has worked to advance legislation. Senator Casey is the author of the ABLE Act- a bill that would allow parents of physically and mentally challenged children to set up tax advantaged savings accounts that could provide for their care. He is also the cosponsor of a bill that would aid those with autism as they transition into the workforce and has consistently supported efforts to increase investment in autism research.